Enjoyed a full, fun day in Ventnor and elsewhere. Stopped at Charley and Mary P.'s to express condolences for the loss of their daughter before arriving at 15 South at Noon. Dee insisted on having lunch there instead of going out. Okay, sure, said I, and she served up a salad and fried chicken cutlets--.
FRIED! I haven't had anything fried for about a year! Did I eat it? Sure did. Just barely choke it down? Ho, ho, I had to be restrained from dumping the whole platter on my plate. It tasted wonderful. A friend of Dee's from her other home was there, too, as well as Scarlett from upstairs, and her 9-year-old, Dillon, a very handsome, bright, and nice kid.
It still seems eerie to be chatting in the place I grew up in, all those many moons ago, but it was a good visit. I had brought copies for Dee of 10 or 12 pictures taken at the house from the forties and she and Scarlett exclaimed over them, comparing notes on what was the same and what different. The highlight for me, though, was when Dee presented me with the note she had found behind a cabinet when the downstairs kitchen was renovated. It's dated January 13, 1946, and was written by my father. What a treasure! More about that in a later entry.
I stayed until about 2:30, then went off after assuring Dee and Scarlett we'd meet again--I'll invite them to our place for lunch shortly. On impulse, I stopped at St. James to see if the pictures I had archived had been found. I was pleased to see several (in the frames I had selected and bought) leaning against a wall near Sister Joan's office; found the file box with the rest of them on a shelf. Nobody was around, so I left a note for Ann, the secretary, and will call her today or tomorrow.
The H.'s house is across the street from the church on Newport Avenue and I decided to stop in and say hello. I heard voices on the porch and, to my amazement, found Betty's daughter, Carolyn, and family! Long story as to why they were there (the H's are traveling), but of course, was delighted to see them. Stayed a half hour or so, then went on my way. (C., D., and kids fly home to California today.)
Naturally, I called Betty as soon as I got home to tell her about seeing her D.D. and family. Made a quick dinner for Pat of soup and sandwiches--considering my billion-calorie lunch, I simply had a pint of blueberries for dinner. Then drove to Manahawkin to duplicate Dad's letter for my sibs; also exchanged the black Capris for navy Bermudas.
Was pleased to hear from Alison that her first day in the Little Egg school district went very well.
Must get ready to meet Barb H. Today, we're going to the "Blueberry and Cranberry Culture Van Tour" sponsored by the Ocean County Parks Commission.